OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the clinical status of common childhood fears. METHOD: Fears of the 290 children aged 8 to 13 years were assessed and then their severity was explored by means of a structured diagnostic interview measuring anxiety disorders according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). RESULTS: Childhood fears reflect significant anxiety disorders in a substantial minority (i.e. 22.8%) of the children. CONCLUSIONS: In most children, childhood fears are part of the normal development. However, in some children, these fears reflect serious anxiety problems which interfere with daily routine.
OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the clinical status of common childhood fears. METHOD: Fears of the 290 children aged 8 to 13 years were assessed and then their severity was explored by means of a structured diagnostic interview measuring anxiety disorders according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). RESULTS: Childhood fears reflect significant anxiety disorders in a substantial minority (i.e. 22.8%) of the children. CONCLUSIONS: In most children, childhood fears are part of the normal development. However, in some children, these fears reflect serious anxiety problems which interfere with daily routine.
Authors: Michelle G Craske; Allison M Waters; R Lindsey Bergman; Bruce Naliboff; Ottmar V Lipp; Hideki Negoro; Edward M Ornitz Journal: Behav Res Ther Date: 2008-05-01
Authors: Dominique F Maciejewski; Pol A C van Lier; Anna Neumann; Daniëlle Van der Giessen; Susan J T Branje; Wim H J Meeus; Hans M Koot Journal: J Abnorm Child Psychol Date: 2014-05